Who died in 2022?

(Image credit: Illustrated | Getty Images)

published 31 December 2022

It was a brutal year for celebrity deaths. Those lost in 2022 included legendary comedians, beloved actors, iconic musicians, and a few up-and-coming performers gone far too soon. Let's take a look back and remember the stars we mourned this year:

Peter Bogdanovich

Peter Bogdanovich, the Oscar-nominated director of films like The Last Picture Show and Paper Moon, died on Jan. 6 at 82 from natural causes. On top of his filmmaking career, he was also known for some acting roles, including when he played a psychotherapist on The Sopranos. "He was a dear friend and a champion of cinema," said The Shape of Water director Guillermo del Toro. "He birthed masterpieces as a director and was a most genial human."

Sidney Poitier, who made history as the first Black man to win the Best Actor Oscar for his role in Lilies of the Field, died on Jan. 6 at 94. His death certificate listed the cause as a combination of heart failure, Alzheimer's dementia, and prostate cancer, according to TMZ. Denzel Washington, the second Black man to win the Oscar for Best Actor after Poitier, remembered him in a statement to ET as a "gentle man" who "opened doors for all of us that had been closed for years."

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Full House star Bob Saget was found dead in his hotel room at the Ritz-Carlton Orlando on Jan. 9 at 65. The comedian's family said the cause was head trauma and that he "accidentally hit the back of his head on something, thought nothing of it, and went to sleep." Saget's co-star John Stamos later published the tear-jerking eulogy he delivered at his memorial. "Bob, I will never, ever have another friend like you," Stamos said. "You will always be my best friend. You are my new guardian angel — a guardian angel with the dirtiest mouth and a heart as big and benevolent as forever."

Fashion journalist and former Vogue editor-at-large André Leon Talley died on Jan. 18 at 73 after reportedly suffering a heart attack. "He was magnificent and erudite and wickedly funny — mercurial, too," Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour said. "Like many decades-long relationships, there were complicated moments, but all I want to remember today, all I care about, is the brilliant and compassionate man who was a generous and loving friend to me and to my family for many, many years, and who we will all miss so much."

Award-winning French actor Gaspard Ulliel, 37, died in a skiing accident on Jan. 19 after reportedly colliding with another skier in the Alps. He later appeared posthumously in an episode of Moon Knight. "I was so impressed by his dedication and his intelligence," Martin Scorsese, who worked with Ulliel on a commercial, said. "He loved the cinema, and I know that he would have been an interesting filmmaker if he'd lived to realize his dream."

Rock star Meat Loaf died on Jan. 20. at 74 "with his wife, Deborah, by his side," a statement on his official Facebook page said, adding, "From his heart to your souls ... don't ever stop rocking!" A cause of death was not provided, but TMZ reported he "became seriously ill with COVID" before his death. "Always full of madness, with the innocent sense of naughtiness of a 5-year-old, Meat was forever young," Queen guitarist Brian May said.

Howard Hesseman, who earned two Emmy nominations for his role as DJ Dr. Johnny Fever on WKRP in Cincinnati, died on Jan. 29 at 81, reportedly due to complications from colon surgery. "Howard was a groundbreaking talent and lifelong friend whose kindness and generosity was equaled by his influence and admiration to generations of actors and improvisational comedy throughout the world," his representative told Variety. In an essay for Variety, Hesseman's co-star Tim Reid remembered him as a "unique person and a gentle soul."

Ghostbusters director Ivan Reitman died in his sleep on Feb. 12 at 75. His children Jason Reitman, Catherine Reitman, and Caroline Reitman mourned the "unexpected loss of a husband, father, and grandfather who taught us to always seek the magic in life." Reitman also directed comedies like Stripes and Meatballs. "I've lost my hero," his son Jason Reitman, who directed 2021's Ghostbusters: Afterlife, said. "All I want is the chance to tell my father one more story. He came from a family of survivors and turned his legacy into laughter."

Mark Lanegan, frontman of the rock band Screaming Trees, died on Feb. 22 at 57. A cause of death was not reported. A year earlier, he described being put into a medically induced coma during a serious bout with COVID-19, noting his "kidneys reportedly were blown out." Joy Division and New Order co-founder Peter Hook remembered him as a "lovely man," who "led a wild life that some of us could only dream of" and "leaves us with fantastic words and music."

Oscar-winning Kiss of the Spider Woman and Children of a Lesser God star William Hurt died on March 13 from prostate cancer at 71. "A brilliant actor, who put everything into his work," Ben Stiller said, urging fans to "watch his movies if you can and see a different kind of movie star, for whom the work was more important than status." Actor Matthew Modine also remembered him as a "consummate professional," who was "continually searching for greater truth and human understanding." Marvel announced later in the year his role of General Thaddeus Ross will be taken over by Harrison Ford.

Wrestler Scott Hall, also known as Razor Ramon, died on March 14 at 63 due to complications from surgery. "I love Scott with all my heart but now I have to prepare my life without him in the present," wrestler Kevin Nash said, while WWE's Shane McMahon said he was "deeply saddened by the loss of Scott Hall, a singular talent and in my view, perhaps the greatest to ever [perform] in the squared circle."

Madeleine Albright, who became the United States' first female secretary of state under former President Bill Clinton, died on March 23 at 84 from cancer. "She was surrounded by family and friends," her family said. "We have lost a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend." Clinton remembered her as "one of the finest secretaries of state, an outstanding UN ambassador, a brilliant professor, and an extraordinary human being."

Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins died on March 25 at 50. A cause of death wasn't provided, but Colombian authorities reportedly found he had 10 drugs in his system. The band later performed multiple tribute concerts for him. "For those of you who knew him personally, you know that no one else could make you smile or laugh or dance or sing like he could," Dave Grohl said at one concert, per Loudwire. "And for those of you that admired him from afar, I'm sure you've all felt the same thing."

Estelle Harris, best known for playing George Costanza's mother Estelle on Seinfeld and voicing Mrs. Potato Head in the Toy Story films, died on April 2 at 93. Her son, Glen Harris, remembered her "kindness, passion, sensitivity, humor, empathy, and love," while George Costanza actor Jason Alexander mourned his "TV mama" and "one of my favorite people," adding, "The joy of playing with her and relishing her glorious laughter was a treat. I adore you, Estelle. Love to your family. Serenity now and always."

Comedian Gilbert Gottfried, who lent his iconic voice to the parrot Iago in Aladdin, died on April 12 at 67, just a few months after his friend Bob Saget. Gottfried's publicist said the cause was complications from muscular dystrophy. "In addition to being the most iconic voice in comedy, Gilbert was a wonderful husband, brother, friend, and father to his two young children," Gottfried's family said. Conan O'Brien remembered him as a "sweet and delightfully funny man," while former Daily Show host Jon Stewart recalled that Gottfried "could leave you gasping for breath … just indescribably unusually hilarious."

Orrin Hatch, the longest-serving Republican senator in U.S. history, died on April 23 at 88 due to complications from a stroke. He served in the Senate for over 40 years, from 1977 until his retirement in 2019. "Orrin Hatch once shared in an interview that he had a soft side, and he had a tough side," President Biden said. "To serve with Orrin, as I did for over three decades, was to see — and appreciate — both.

Grammy-winning country singer Naomi Judd, who performed with her daughter Wynonna in the duo The Judds, died on April 30 at 76 from suicide. "Today we sisters experienced a tragedy," her daughter Ashley Judd tweeted. "We lost our beautiful mother to the disease of mental illness. We are shattered." She died just one day before being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. The Country Music Hall of Fame's website noted that Judd helped "take country back to its roots in the 1980s with lean, tuneful songs influenced by traditional folk music, acoustic blues, and family harmony acts."

Mike Hagerty, the actor perhaps best known for his role as superintendent Mr. Treeger on Friends, died on May 5 at 67. According to TMZ, he "had a terrible reaction" to an antibiotic, which caused him to have a seizure and go into a coma. "I loved Mike the instant I met him," Bridget Everett, Hagerty's co-star on Somebody Somewhere, said. "He was so special. Warm, funny, never met a stranger. We are devastated he has passed. Mike was adored by the entire cast and crew of Somebody Somewhere."

Goodfellas and Field of Dreams actor Ray Liotta died on May 26 in his sleep at age 67 while in the process of shooting the movie Dangerous Waters in the Dominican Republic. A cause of death wasn't provided. "I'm absolutely shocked and devastated by the sudden, unexpected death of Ray Liotta," Goodfellas director Martin Scorsese told Vanity Fair. "He was so uniquely gifted, so adventurous, so courageous as an actor. … My heart goes out to his loved ones, and it aches for his loss, way too early." Liotta will appear posthumously in the 2023 film Cocaine Bear.

The Godfather and Misery star James Caan died on July 6 at 82, reportedly due to a heart attack and coronary artery disease. "The family appreciates the outpouring of love and heartfelt condolences and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time," a statement shared to his Twitter account said. Al Pacino, Caan's co-star in The Godfather, remembered him as a "great actor, a brilliant director, and my dear friend," while Godfather director Francis Ford Coppola said, "He will always be my old friend from Sunnyside, my collaborator and one of the funniest people I've ever known."

Tony Sirico, best known for his role as Paulie "Walnuts" Gualtieri on The Sopranos, died on July 8 at age 79. A cause of death wasn't announced, though he had been suffering from dementia, according to the Los Angeles Times. Sirico's Sopranos co-star, Michael Imperioli, remembered him as "truly irreplaceable" and "as tough, as loyal, and as big-hearted as anyone I've ever known," adding, "I am proud to say I did a lot of my best and most fun work with my dear pal Tony. I will miss him forever."

English character actor David Warner, known for his roles as villains in a variety of films including Tron, died on July 24 at age 80 due to a cancer-related illness. "He will be missed hugely by us, his family and friends, and remembered as a kind-hearted, generous and compassionate man, partner and father, whose legacy of extraordinary work has touched the lives of so many over the years," his family said. Actress Barbara Crampton also remembered him as "so purely an actor's actor, so real, so focused and a delightful person."

Paul Sorvino, who played Paulie Cicero in Goodfellas, died on July 25 at 83. "Our hearts are broken," his wife, Dee Dee Sorvino, said. "There will never be another Paul Sorvino, he was the love of my life, and one of the greatest performers to ever grace the screen and stage." His daughter, Mira Sorvino, also called him the "most wonderful father," adding, "I love him so much. I'm sending you love in the stars Dad as you ascend."

Tony Dow, who played Wally Cleaver on the classic sitcom Leave it to Beaver, died on July 27 at age 77 while receiving hospice care at home. "He was the best dad anyone could ask for," his son, Christopher, said. "He was my coach, my mentor, my voice of reason, my best friend, my best man in my wedding, and my hero." Jerry Mathers, who played Beaver on the show, also remembered him as "the kindest, most generous, gentle, loving, sincere, and humble man."

Boston Celtics legend Bill Russell, who became the first Black head coach in professional basketball, died on July 31 at 88. His family said it was their "hope each of us can find a new way to act or speak up with Bill's uncompromising, dignified, and always constructive commitment to principle." Celtics player Jaylen Brown also remembered him as a "great man," noting that "during the peak of racial tension in our society, he represented a type of nobility and honor that transcended sports."

Nichelle Nichols, the trailblazing actress who played Uhura on Star Trek, died on July 30 at 89. Co-star William Shatner remembered her as a "beautiful woman" who "played an admirable character that did so much for redefining social issues both here in the US & throughout the world," and George Takei paid tribute to the "trailblazing, incomparable" actress. In August, United Launch Alliance announced a portion of her ashes would be sent to space in conjunction with the private company Celestis.

Pat Carroll, who voiced Ursula in The Little Mermaid and won an Emmy for her work on Caesar's Hour, died on July 30 at 95 due to pneumonia. Her daughter, Tara Karsian, urged fans to "honor her by having a raucous laugh at absolutely anything today (and every day forward) because besides her brilliant talent and love, she leaves my sister Kerry and I with the greatest gift of all, imbuing us with humor and the ability to laugh … even in the saddest of times."

Grease star Olivia Newton-John died on Aug. 8 at 73 after repeatedly battling breast cancer. "My dearest Olivia, you made all of our lives so much better," her former Grease co-star John Travolta wrote on social media. "Your impact was incredible. I love you so much. We will see you down the road and we will all be together again. Yours from the moment I saw you and forever! Your Danny, your John!"

Charlbi Dean, an up-and-coming actress who starred in the 2022 Palme d'Or-winning film Triangle of Sadness, died suddenly on Aug. 29 at 32. Her brother, Alex Jacobs, told Rolling Stone she went to the emergency room due to "minor" symptoms, including a headache, and died within hours. "What we have heard is that there was a viral infection in her lungs," he said, noting she had her spleen removed after a 2009 car accident, and her "spleen not being there just added on to the reason why she perhaps couldn't fight" the infection. The New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner later confirmed that Dean died of bacterial sepsis. Triangle of Sadness director Ruben Ostlund called her death a "shock and a tragedy," adding, "Charlbi had a care and sensitivity that lifted her colleagues and the entire film crew. The thought that she will not be by our side in the future makes me very sad."

Ken Starr, who famously served as the independent counsel leading the Whitewater probe during the Bill Clinton administration, died on Sept. 13 at 76 due to complications from surgery. His wife, Alice, remembered him as a "brilliant, kind, and loving man" who "felt compelled to always respond to the call to serve his country, even when it meant enduring harsh criticism for his service." Former President Donald Trump also mourned him as "a true American patriot who loved our country and the law."

Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's longest-serving monarch, died on Sept. 8 at 96 after celebrating 70 years on the throne earlier in 2022. Her death certificate listed the official cause as "old age." Her son subsequently ascended to the throne as King Charles. "Queen Elizabeth II was a stateswoman of unmatched dignity and constancy who deepened the bedrock Alliance between the United Kingdom and the United States," President Biden said. "She helped make our relationship special."

Louise Fletcher, who won an Oscar for her performance as Nurse Ratched in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, died on Sept. 23 at 88. "It was an honor and a pleasure to write for Louise Fletcher, one of the absolute greats," screenwriter Robert Hewitt Wolfe, who worked with her on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, said. "A blazing talent and a complete class act." CODA star Marlee Matlin also remembered that the "brilliant" and "lovely" actress, whose parents were deaf, "was the FIRST to sign her acceptance speech at the Oscars."

Grammy-winning "Gangsta's Paradise" rapper Coolio died on Sept. 28 at 59 from suspected cardiac arrest. Kel Mitchell, who worked with him when the rapper performed the theme for Kenan & Kel, was among those to pay tribute. "Last thing you told me when we last spoke a few months ago you told me you loved how I keep things positive and to keep doing that," Mitchell said. "I will, Coolio, and thank you for sharing your light and your talent with us all and thank you for inspiring so many in your lyrics."

Former WWE wrestler Sara Lee, who won the competition show Tough Enough in 2015, died suddenly on Oct. 5 at age 30. Days earlier, she shared on Instagram that she was "celebrating finally being healthy enough to go to the gym 2 days in a row" after her "first ever sinus infection kicked my butt." A cause of death was not disclosed. She was survived by her husband, wrestler Cory Weston, with whom she shared three children. "I would always say that you were an angel walking on this Earth," he said. "Beautiful, compassionate, strong, and so loving."

Country music legend and "Coal Miner's Daughter" singer Loretta Lynn died on Oct. 4 at age 90. "Our precious mom, Loretta Lynn, passed away peacefully this morning, Oct. 4, in her sleep at home in her beloved ranch in Hurricane Mills," her family said. "I always did and I always will love Loretta," country singer Reba McEntire also reflected. "She was always so nice to me. I sure appreciate her paving the rough and rocky road for all us girl singers."

Robbie Coltrane, who played Hagrid in the Harry Potter films, died on Oct. 14 at 72, reportedly due to multiple organ failure. His Harry Potter co-stars paid tribute, with Daniel Radcliffe remembering him as "one of the funniest people I've met" and adding that he feels "incredibly lucky that I got to meet and work with him and very sad that he's passed." Emma Watson also reflected, "Robbie was like the most fun uncle I've ever had, but most of all, he was deeply caring and compassionate towards me as a child and an adult. … Robbie, if I ever get to be so kind as you were to me on a film set I promise I'll do it in your name and memory."

Angela Lansbury, the famed actress known for her roles in Murder, She Wrote and Beauty and the Beast, died on Oct. 11 at 96. She made her final film appearance via a cameo in Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery. "It is rare that one person can touch multiple generations, creating a breadth of work that defines decade after decade," Beauty and the Beast star Josh Gad tweeted. "#AngelaLansbury was that artist."

Ashton Carter, who served as secretary of defense under former President Barack Obama, died unexpectedly on Oct. 24 at 68 after a "sudden cardiac event," his family said. "He was a beloved husband, father, mentor, and friend," the family added. "His sudden loss will be felt by all who knew him." Obama remembered Carter as "a leader who left America — and the world — safer through his lifetime of service."

Food writer Julie Powell, whose writing inspired the 2009 movie Julie & Julia, died on Oct. 26 at 49 from cardiac arrest. "She was a brilliant writer and a daring, original person and she will not be forgotten," her editor, Judy Clain, said. "We are sending our deepest condolences to all who knew and loved Julie, whether personally or through the deep connections she forged with readers of her memoirs."

Rapper Takeoff, who performed as one-third of the group Migos alongside his uncle and cousin, was shot and killed in Houston on Nov. 1. He was 28. Police later arrested two suspects in connection with the shooting. "I know someone with a soul like yours is in heaven now," Offset, Takeoff's cousin, said. "I hope you can see how much we love you and miss you. You have left a hole in my heart that will never be filled."

"I Want Candy" singer Aaron Carter, brother of Backstreet Boys' Nick Carter, died on Nov. 5 at 34 after being found unresponsive in his bathtub. "I love Aaron with all my heart and it's going to be a journey to raise a son without a father," his fiancée, Melanie Martin, told TMZ. His brother Nick also said on Instagram, "Sometimes we want to blame someone or something for a loss, but the truth is that addiction and mental illness is the real villain here. I will miss my brother more than anyone will ever know."

Kevin Conroy, who lent his iconic voice to Batman in a number of projects including Batman: The Animated Series, died on Nov. 10 at 66 from colorectal cancer. "For three decades, Conroy served as a beacon for justice and inspiration to many," George Takei said, while Lynda Carter tweeted, "Whether in voice or in person, putting on the suit is a great responsibility. Kevin Conroy inspired and delighted Batman fans."

Jason David Frank, who played the green Power Ranger on Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, died on Nov. 19 at 49. His wife, Tammie Frank, confirmed the cause was suicide. "His death comes as much a shock to me as anyone else," she told People. "The truth is, I had no idea that Jason was thinking of ending things. Yes, he had struggled with mental health issues and depression before, but I could never predict what would happen that night." Frank's Power Rangers co-star Amy Jo Johnson remembered him as "beautiful and truly unique" and a "frenetic, hilarious, caring, driven and creative ball of energy."

Singer Irene Cara, star of Fame and winner of an Oscar for Best Original Song for Flashdance, died on Nov. 25 at 63. Her publicist said she died at her Florida home but that the cause was unknown. "You inspired me more than you could ever know," Lenny Kravitz said in a tribute. "Your songwriting and vocals created pure energy that will never cease. You also defined an era that is so close to my heart."

Brad William Henke, a former NFL player who portrayed Officer Desi Piscatella on Netflix's Orange is the New Black, died on Nov. 29 at 56. His manager said he died in his sleep. In 2021, Henke shared on Instagram that he survived a "90 percent blockage of my artery" and received two stents in his heart. "Brad was an incredibly kind man of joyous energy," his manager told TMZ. "A very talented actor, he loved being a part of this community … and we loved him back."

Clarence Gilyard Jr., who played James Trivette on Walker, Texas Ranger and Theo in Die Hard, died on Nov 28. at 68. A cause wasn't provided, but the Las Vegas Review-Journal said he "had been suffering from a long illness." Chuck Norris paid tribute to his former co-star on Instagram, writing, "For nearly a decade we had many great times working together and we both loved bringing the bad guys to justice. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and children. You will be deeply missed by all who knew you. May you Rest In Peace, my friend. Until we meet again."

Kirstie Alley, who played Rebecca Howe on Cheers and also starred in shows like Veronica's Closet and films like Look Who's Talking and Drop Dead Gorgeous, died on Dec. 5 at 71. Her children said her death came after a battle with colon cancer, which was "only recently discovered." Alley's former Cheers co-star Ted Danson paid tribute in a statement to Deadline. "I am so sad and so grateful for all the times she made me laugh," he said. "I send my love to her children. As they well know, their mother had a heart of gold. I will miss her." Kelsey Grammer and Rhea Perlman also honored their former Cheers co-star, with Grammer telling Deadline "I loved her" and Perlman remembering her as a "unique and wonderful person and friend."

Stephen 'tWitch' Boss, the DJ on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and former So You Think You Can Dance contestant, died on Dec. 13 at age 40. His death was ruled a suicide. "I'm heartbroken," DeGeneres tweeted. "tWitch was pure love and light. He was my family, and I loved him with all my heart." His wife, Allison Holker, also said in a statement to TMZ, "He was the backbone of our family, the best husband and father, and an inspiration to his fans. To say he left a legacy would be an understatement, and his positive impact will continue to be felt. I am certain there won't be a day that goes by that we won't honor his memory."

Pelé, the iconic Brazilian soccer legend, died on Dec. 29 at 82 after a battle with colon cancer. "Everything we are is thanks to you," his daughter, Kely Nascimento, shared on Instagram. "We love you infinitely. Rest in peace." Former President Barack Obama remembered Pelé as "one of the greatest to ever play the beautiful game" and "one of the most recognizable athletes in the world," who "understood the power of sports to bring people together."

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, the former head of the Catholic Church who became the first pope in 600 years to step down in 2013, died on Dec. 31 at 95. Days earlier, Pope Francis asked for prayers for his "very sick" predecessor. Benedict "served the church as a priest, theologian, archbishop, cardinal, prefect, pope and pope emeritus, but most of all as a believer," James Martin, Jesuit priest and America magazine editor-at-large, said.

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Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.

Peter Bogdanovich

Sidney Poitier

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Louie Anderson

Howard Hesseman

Cheslie Kryst

Monica Vitti

Betty Davis

Ivan Reitman

Mark Lanegan

Emilio Delgado

William Hurt

Scott Hall

Madeleine Albright

Taylor Hawkins

Estelle Harris

Gilbert Gottfried

Liz Sheridan

Robert Morse

Orrin Hatch

Naomi Judd

Mike Hagerty

Ray Liotta

Philip Baker Hall

Mary Mara

James Caan

Tony Sirico

David Warner

Ivana Trump

Paul Sorvino

Tony Dow

Bill Russell

Nichelle Nichols

Pat Carroll

Olivia Newton-John

Anne Heche

Wolfgang Petersen

Luke Bell

Charlbi Dean

Jean-Luc Godard

Ken Starr

Queen Elizabeth II

Louise Fletcher

Coolio

Sara Lee

Loretta Lynn

Sacheen Littlefeather

Robbie Coltrane

Angela Lansbury

Leslie Jordan

Ashton Carter

Julie Powell

Jerry Lee Lewis

Takeoff

Aaron Carter

Kevin Conroy

John Aniston

Jason David Frank

Irene Cara

Brad William Henke

Clarence Gilyard Jr.

Christine McVie

Bob McGrath

Kirstie Alley

Helen Slayton-Hughes

Stephen 'tWitch' Boss

Drew Griffin

Sonya Eddy

Ruggero Deodato

Vivienne Westwood

Pelé

Barbara Walters

Pope Benedict XVI